The Osun State Government has inaugurated two separate investigative panels to establish the circumstances surrounding the August 24, 2026 violence at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park in Ikire and investigate cases of political violence reported ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The panels were inaugurated on Wednesday at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall in Abere by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke at the ceremony.
The first body, a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry, will investigate the deaths recorded during the Ikire motor park incident, while the second, a Commission of Inquiry, will examine alleged violence and other unlawful activities linked to the period preceding the governorship election.
Jimi-Bada said the inquiries were established to determine the facts and pursue accountability based on evidence and due process.
He specifically warned that the Ikire investigation should neither become a witch-hunt nor provide protection for anyone who may have violated the law.
“Let me state clearly that this inquiry is not a witch-hunt,” he said. “It is not meant to persecute any person, group, agency or institution. At the same time, it is not designed to shield anyone from accountability.”
The August 24 Ikire incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of commercial bus driver Saheed Akinrole and another passenger whose identity had yet to be established, while several other people sustained injuries.
The Coroner Inquest, established under the Coroner Law, Cap 32, Laws of Osun State, 2002, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and determine how and why they died.
The panel will also investigate the immediate and remote causes of the violence at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park.
Among other issues, it will determine whether force was used during the incident, whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed, who authorised or carried out such actions, and whether the conduct of those involved complied with the law and applicable rules of engagement.
Panel to investigate Osun pre-election violence
The separate Commission of Inquiry into pre-election violence will investigate reported cases of killings, assaults, intimidation, threats, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption and unlawful possession or use of weapons across Osun State before the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The commission, chaired by Hon. Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.), will also examine the causes and circumstances of the incidents and establish whether political actors, security personnel, public officers, organisations, political supporters or other individuals and groups were involved.
The two panels have powers to recommend criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary action where culpability is established.
They may also recommend compensation, medical assistance, rehabilitation and other forms of support for victims and families of deceased persons.
Jimi-Bada warned that the state government would not tolerate attempts to interfere with the investigations.
“The Government will not tolerate intimidation of witnesses, destruction of evidence, harassment of victims or any attempt to interfere with the work of this Panel,” he said.
He urged anyone with useful information to come forward and called on security agencies, hospitals, mortuaries, public institutions, transport unions and community leaders to cooperate with the investigations.
Relevant records, including police station diaries, firearm registers, duty rosters, ammunition records, medical reports, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and eyewitness accounts, are expected to be preserved and made available when required.
The Attorney-General also appealed for calm among residents of Ikire, particularly families of the deceased and injured, youth groups, transport workers and political actors.
“Justice cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence, intimidation or reprisal,” he said.
The panels are expected to receive evidence from victims’ families, eyewitnesses, transport workers, community members, medical personnel, security agencies, journalists, civil society organisations and other members of the public.
Jimi-Bada urged the members of the panels to consider all sides, protect victims and witnesses, and base their findings strictly on evidence, law and justice.
Addressing families affected by the Ikire incident, he said the government recognised their pain and would work to establish the truth.
“We say again: your pain is recognised, and your voices will be heard,” he said.
The Attorney-General also appealed to the media to report the proceedings responsibly and fairly, noting that the sensitive nature of the investigations required public communication that would promote truth, peace and confidence in the process.
Members of Osun pre-election violence commission
The Commission of Inquiry is made up of Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.), chairman; Abiodun Badiora, Esq., secretary; M.R. Faremi, Esq., representing the Ministry of Justice; Maruf Adediran, Esq., representing the Nigerian Bar Association, Osogbo Branch; and Comrade (Dr.) Waheed Lawal, representing civil society organisations.
Other members are AIG (Dr.) Aderanti C. Kayode, security expert; Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin, representing the media; Dr. Azeez Morufu Olakunle, representing medical and forensic interests; Mr. Abodunrin Mathew Adeyinka, representing retired military personnel; and Mr. Abdulraheem Adekilekun, media officer to the commission.
The Osun State Government expects the inquiries to produce findings and recommendations on accountability, possible prosecution or disciplinary measures, compensation and steps to prevent future incidents involving unlawful killings, firearms abuse, political violence, motor park violence and breakdown of public order.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to provide an official account of the incidents and guide further action by the state government and relevant authorities.
